Bon Secours Mercy Health makes pledge, sets up site for Ukraine relief

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Bon Secours Mercy Health has established a secure fundraising site to support emergency relief efforts for Ukraine.

The organization — the parent company of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville — said in a news release that it is uniquely positioned to take swift action because of its European health care presence and contacts at the Ministry of Health in Ukraine.

“It is clear that financial resources are most needed at this time and by working with trusted partners, we can ensure that the needed supplies will be purchased and delivered directly to those who need it,” CEO John Starcher said in the news release. “We are also in the process of securing specific goods in the U.S. which will be sent as soon as transportation is finalized.”

Bon Secours Mercy Health has identified two key channels with whom the ministry will work to render aid: Medical Help Ukraine, a group of Ukrainian doctors working in Ireland to give medical aid, and Polish Rescue Organization, an independent, non-profit, founded by doctors, who are currently purchasing medical supplies for Ukraine, according to the release. These partners will procure supplies in Europe and transport them immediately to Ukraine.

As a ministry, Bon Secours Mercy Health has to date pledged $500,000 toward this effort, in addition to nearly $200,000 already provided by Bon Secours Ireland and Bon Secours Mercy Health Global Ministries to Catholic Relief Services, Americares and Medical Help Ukraine.